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Read the latest news on the efforts of the EU and its partners to combat illegal logging and foster good governance through the EU Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan, with emphasis on Voluntary Partnership Agreements between the EU and timber-exporting nations.

News

Read the latest news on the efforts of the EU and its partners to combat illegal logging and foster good governance through the EU Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan, with emphasis on Voluntary Partnership Agreements between the EU and timber-exporting nations.

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Sawn wood transport

Cameroon achieves a new milestone in promoting legal wood

Cameroon has become one of the first African countries to require the use of legal wood and timber in all its public procurement procedures. From now on, operators engaged in construction or public purchases in connection with wood by-products will have to prove the legal origin of the wood used. The new joint decree was signed on December 15, 2020 by Cameroonian ministers in charge of Forestry, Public Works, and Public Contracts.
Stephen Kwame Paddy, Chain of Custody manager at Logs and Lumber Limited.Logs and Lumber Limited

Ghana’s forest management makes strides through Social Responsibility Agreements

In Ghana, traditional customs and practices – such as ‘taboo’ days when no one enters the forest – have helped to protect forests through the ages. But these practices have not always been respected, with some timber companies logging in areas adjacent to communities even on sacred days.
Volumes (m3 round wood equivalent) of Congolese wood products imported by the EU, 2004-2019https://stats.flegtimm.eu

The Republic of the Congo and the EU release 2019 annual report on VPA progress 

The Republic of the Congo and the EU have released a joint report on progress in implementing the Voluntary Partnership Agreement from January to December 2019. The report describes progress made with the timber legality assurance system, institutional improvements, stakeholder engagement, communication, transparency and monitoring of the agreement.
Joseph Sackey is equipped with legally required helmet and ear protections.

Strong law enforcement drives responsible timber businesses in Ghana

The VPA ALA Facility has published a story reporting how law enforcement and continuous checks on operators are transforming business practices in Ghana’s timber sector. Companies are making noticeable improvements, in particular in relation to environmental and social obligations.
Tree logged in a forest concessionEuropean Forest Institute

The Republic of the Congo and the EU release 2018 annual report on VPA progress

The Republic of the Congo and the EU have released a joint report on progress in implementing the Voluntary Partnership Agreement from January to December 2018. The report describes progress made with the timber legality assurance system, institutional improvements, stakeholder engagement, communication, transparency and monitoring of the agreement.
Monsieur Mateus Paula, Chef de Délégation de l’UE au Congo, et Madame Rosalie Matondo, Ministre de l’Économie Forestière du Congo, signent l’aide-mémoire du 11eme CCMLaurent Cerbonney, EFI

La République du Congo et l’UE encouragent le redoublement des efforts dans la mise en œuvre de leur APV

La République du Congo et l’Union européenne (UE) ont fait le suivi de la mise en œuvre de leur Accord de Partenariat Volontaire (APV) visant à promouvoir la bonne gouvernance forestière. Les deux parties ont également orienté leur travail de 2020.

About the VPA Africa – Latin America Facility

The VPA Africa – Latin America Facility supports the implementation of the EU FLEGT Action Plan with a focus on Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs). The Facility contributes to combating illegal logging and strengthening forest governance while encouraging sustainable economic development in countries that produce or process timber and export to the EU. The Facility is hosted by the European Forest Institute (EFI) and was established in November 2019.

Disclaimer

This website has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union.